A gasp and a shrill squeal sounded from the back of the company that caused half the group to draw their weapons in readiness for the inevitable attack. A small figure of a Hobbit rushed from amongst the bodies of Dwarves in what seemed to be fear. He scuttled over to the shadows of the large Mirkwood trees, bending over as the rest of the company either followed him with their gaze in confusion or turned to find the culprit who had upset their burglar.

''Close ranks!'' Thorin ordered, casting his own gaze around the gloomy and ominous trees.

From what they could tell from being under the canopy of trees, it was evening and the sun was finally setting over Middle-Earth. Little or no light managed to find it's way into the dark wood, however the company of thirteen Dwarves where silently thanking Mahal that they had been caught by the enemy in a lighter area of the forest.

''Is our burglar hurt?'' Thorin asked as he turned his head to check for any attackers who believed they could sneak up on them.

''I don't know,''

''Fíli , Kíli , you were in charge of look out behind us -''

''He doesn't look hurt,''

''Ask him,''

''Oi, Bilbo!''

''Sh!''

Silence re-fell upon the company as Thorin glowered at them all. He turned once more, checking the full three-hundred-and-sixty degrees before making his way over to the Hobbit. Orcrist drawn and ready to stab at any unexpecting Orc's.

Bilbo was still situated on the forest floor. Crouching as if hiding or attempting to tend to some wound on his large Hobbit feet - thought Thorin as he inched closer. This was not good. If their burglar was injured here there would be little hope. Infection would be bound to set in and supplies on everything were running low. 'Do not drink from the forest water' The wizard had said, but did that also rule out cleaning wounds or bandages?

''Hobbit?'' Thorin hissed. The forest was silent and even his quiet whisper sounded like a yell as Thorin leaned into the trees. Bilbo's wide eyes turned to him suddenly, and Thorin could feel the fear radiating from the stare.

''Are you hurt? What's wrong?'' Bilbo blinked.

The rest of the company stood tense, perfectly still but ready for action and staring at their leader and burglar waiting with baited breaths for the all clear.

''What did you see?'' Thorin asked, refusing to admit to the growing concern rising in his stomach as the burglar stayed silent. Bilbo looked up and slowly opened his mouth, his eyes still wide and staring.

''Conkers.''

A/N : Just a short one this time. Possibly planning another chapter when Bilbo teaches the Dwarves how to play however I don't know yet. If you want it, let me know but other wise I won't write it XD

Thank you for reading, please review if you have time (It means a lot to me to know what you think) , check out my on going multi-chapter when Fili can only speak Elvish and Enjoy your day!